Automated dust alert system for Port Kembla Coal Terminal

Mining and Bulk Handling

Port Kembla Coal Terminal (PKCT) came to Katestone because they wanted to use the data generated by their existing air quality monitoring network in a more proactive way.

PKCT required a system that would:

Provide timely advice on elevated dust levels

Provide a summary of compliance with EPA targets

Fit into their existing monitoring and reporting methodology

Working together with PKCT, Katestone developed a dust alert system that used historical data to fine-tune alert thresholds to ensure that when an alert is sent it is as early as possible but also relevant – a system that ‘cries wolf’ is not an effective system.

Katestone is now running an automated system for PKCT that:

uses the existing monitoring network

complies with the methodology developed for the annual reporting, approved by NSW EPA

analyses data regularly throughout the day

not only looks at measured dust levels but also uses the data from multiple monitors and meteorological parameters to estimate contribution from site

sends alerts by email

sends daily summaries of monitoring data by email

includes summary statistics and graphics for a simple yet comprehensive overview of data

The system frees onsite staff to focus on operations, confident that they will be informed of potential dust issues if they arise.